Canon rolled out two high-definition camcorders, the XH G1 ($6800, pictured above) and XH A1 ($4700), aimed at the lower-end professional market and high-end consumer space. Both are capable of 1080i HDTV recording using the lower-cost HDV recording format that's revolutionizing high definition video production. Each is equipped with an image-stabilized 20x optical zoom lens that isn't interchangeable (unlike their higher-end brandmate, the Canon XL-H1 HDV camcorder), a 2.8-inch LCD viewscreen, and both are using three 1/3-inch CCD imagers.

Except for the XH G1's ability to output professional-level signals using HD/SD-SDI output, genlock and time code input/output (features important to television stations and production pros), the two camcorders are remarkably similar. Both record in 60i, 30F, or 24F, which Canon calls "Cine Look" but isn't the coveted 24p craved by film converts. The two HDV camcorders will ship October 2.